2016 has had its many ups and downs, and more down than ups it feels like. But in the end it seemed to be one that has taught us many things. For instance, we should've never doubted their success, but let's be honest, who honestly expected them to win the World Series? Or that Donald Trump would be elected our 45th POTUS?

Anyway, my dad and I have had a tradition the past 8 years that every New Years Eve we go out for a Daddy-Daughter date, and we keep this notebook of everything that happened not only in society but in our personal lives over the past 365 days. Everything from, what the weather is on that day, to the new additions to the family. It's something that I look forward to every year. Making a mental note for this year's list, here are some of the more notable things that you may remember happening over the course of 2016:

1. "The Force Awakens" breaks North American box office record, passing the $760.5m record set by "Avatar."

2. Leonardo DiCaprio FINALLY wins an Oscar for his 2015 performance of "The Revanant"

3. The Denver Broncos defeat the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl 50 matchup in Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California.

4. Beyonce slays us again by releasing her 6th, and second visual album with a 1 hour film on HBO.

5. Harambe, a gorilla from Cincinnati Zoo, is shot after dragging about a boy who slipped and fell into his enclosure.

6. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," a play written by Jack Thorne with JK Rowling premieres in London.

7. 70th Tony Awards: "Hamilton" wins 11 awards after record 16 nominations.

8. United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union in their "Brexit" referundum.

9. Pokemon Go, the real-world mobile game by Niantic, is first released.

10. The 31st Summer Olympics officially opens in Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

11. Republican Donald Trump is elected POTUS defeating democrat Hillary Clinton despite Clinton winning 2.9 million more votes.

Now, those are just a few of the highs and lows of the 2016 year. Among those were personal joys and triumphs. We have all loved and lost this year. But here is the one thing that I never truly understood until this year, "When you take things for granted, the things you are granted, get taken." Waking up to see another day is such a blessing, 2016 has taught me how to always show appreciation. So many things and people I never knew I took for granted this year aren't here anymore. You end up missing most what you least appreciated.

Take time to love and cherish your loved ones this holiday season, no matter how busy you are, make time for them. Even if it's just to say a simple "Hey I'm thinking of you." As we embark on a new journey, a new adventure into 2017, embrace everything with positivity.